WAHL(R) Embarks on Nationwide Hunt for Best Beard, Mustache and Goatee in the Country

STERLING, Ill., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- As the popularity of facial hair continues to increase, it's no surprise that a bevy of facial hair styles grace the faces of a wide range of men. And for the fifth year in a row, WAHL is doing their part and shining some light on these fine facial hair specimens across America. The company is tracking down those who are interested in being crowned beard, mustache or goatee royalty in the WAHL Man of the Year photo contest. For more information, visit www.wahlnation.com.

The nationwide WAHL Man of the Year photo contest, a search of the best beard, mustache and goatee, kicked off May 28, 2010 at 5 p.m. CDT. Those who think they have what it takes must submit their photo and contact information at www.wahlnation.com before October 10, 2010 at 5 p.m. CDT.

However, WAHL is not content in finding the best facial hair by mere online submissions. The company also is taking its search on the road.

The WAHL Let it Grow tour is traveling the country with its 30-foot mobile barbershop to both identify those who have what it takes to become the WAHL Man of the Year and provide useful tips on maintaining any number of facial hair styles. The tour is coming on the heels of a recent study from WAHL that reports nearly 60 percent of men nationwide grow some style of facial hair throughout the year and many desire instructions on how to improve their style. The tour's mission: Support men on their quest to define their personal style, and educate those seeking assistance from facial hair experts.

"There are 64 million men nationwide who sport facial hair during the year," says Ben Phillips, WAHL Master Barber. "We believe it's our obligation to recognize, honor, engage and help those who take their facial hair seriously. What started out as a simple contest has quickly escalated into a growing community of men who believe in rugged individuality and we're proud to help them celebrate their style."

For those who are looking to achieve an award-winning look, help is on the way. As part of the WAHL Let It Grow tour, the company's team of facial hair professionals is stopping in more than a dozen cities to provide free professional trims and tips at events where men can be found.

The WAHL Man of the Year contest winners will each receive a 42-inch flat panel HDTV. WAHL will post all eligible entries to www.wahlnation.com for online voting each Monday beginning May 31, 2010 at 5 p.m. CDT. Voting for Anytown U.S.A. participants will begin October 11, 2010 at 5 p.m. CDT and will remain open through November 8 at 5 p.m. CST to determine the finalists. All finalists will win an mp4 player. The national winners in each category – beard, mustache, and goatee – will be announced by February 15, 2011. Complete contest rules are available by visiting here.

A quarter-century ago, WAHL recognized the desire for well kept facial hair and created the trimmer category. The WAHL Groomsman was the world's first battery operated facial hair trimmer, and featured the same type of blade quality that defined WAHL clippers. And for the past 25+ years, that innovation has continued, developing trimmers for specific facial hair styles – beard, goatee and mustache – and other variations including ear/nose, body grooming and all-in-one. Most recently, WAHL introduced the first trimmer to harness the power of lithium ion that continues a legacy of superior trimming innovation.

About WAHL

Now in its 91st year, WAHL Clipper Corporation is an international industry leader in the manufacturing of products for the professional beauty and barber salon trade, consumer personal care and animal grooming. Headquartered in Sterling, Ill., WAHL currently employs some 2,000 people worldwide. WAHL products are available in 165 countries around the world. For more information about WAHL, visit www.wahl.com.